Witkoff to return to Middle East for Israel-Hamas ceasefire Phase 1 extension
Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, announced on Sunday that he would be working towards negotiating an extension of Phase One of the Israel-Hamas hostage release and ceasefire deal during his upcoming visit to the region. Speaking on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Witkoff emphasized the importance of extending Phase One in order to progress towards Phase Two, which aims to release more hostages and move the discussion forward.
Last week, Witkoff met with Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer in Washington, D.C., indicating a collaborative effort between the United States and Israel in the negotiation process. When asked about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s intentions regarding the ceasefire, Witkoff expressed his belief that Netanyahu is motivated to see the hostages released and protect the state of Israel. He emphasized that Hamas cannot be part of the governing body in Gaza once the conflict is resolved.
In another appearance on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” Witkoff revealed his travel plans to visit various countries in the Middle East, including Qatar, Egypt, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. He highlighted the importance of securing the release of the last remaining American hostage, Edan Alexander, stating that President Trump’s priority is to bring all Americans home safely.
Phase Two of the ceasefire deal involves establishing a permanent ceasefire and ensuring Hamas does not return to the government in Gaza. Witkoff mentioned the challenges of finding suitable living arrangements for Gaza residents and the need for a reconstruction plan to rebuild the region following the conflict.
The delay in the release of Palestinian prisoners by Israel was attributed to Hamas’ violations of the ceasefire agreement, including ceremonies that humiliated hostages and exploited them for propaganda purposes. Netanyahu condemned Hamas for the murder of two young Israeli boys and the mishandling of the remains of their mother, Shiri Bibas. Despite these challenges, Israel continued to release hostages in accordance with the agreement.
As negotiations continue, the focus remains on securing the release of all remaining hostages and holding Hamas accountable for their actions. Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to bringing justice to those responsible for the attacks and reiterated that nothing will deter him from seeking justice.
The ongoing efforts to negotiate an extension of the ceasefire deal and secure the release of hostages demonstrate a commitment to peace and stability in the region. With the support of the United States and key allies in the Middle East, progress is being made towards resolving the conflict and ensuring the safety of all individuals involved.
